Mistakes Sit-Stand Desk Buyers Make
Majority of people know that a sit-stand desk can improve productivity, alleviate pain, and contribute to a healthier work lifestyle. But, knowing all of this is not enough information.
While people are quick to buy a sit-stand desk to improve their health, most don’t do the proper research to learn HOW to find the proper desk for their body type.
Not every sit-stand desk is appropriate for every user.
ErgoDirect History With Sit-Stand Desk
We’ve been involved with sit-stand desk products since 2002 with a simple notion—to free users from the pain associated with poorly designed work environments. Since then, we have grown to become the leading online provider for ergonomic products and solutions. Over the last two decades, we’ve assisted thousands of customers who come to us with similar issues and questions.
Our goal with this post is to help you avoid common mistakes and give you the tips for choosing the best sit-stand desk for your body type.
After covering the two most common mistakes, we will explain the best 8 tips for choosing the best sit-stand desk.
Mistake #1: Buying a Desk That Is Too Tall For Them
The most common mistake people make when buying a sit-stand desk is purchasing one that is not the right height. In fact, at least 20% of people who buy a cheap adjustable desk end up with a desk that is too tall.
A lot of buyers assume if a desk is “adjustable,” they will be able to adjust the height to fit their body size.
Some height adjustable desks have 2-stage legs that don’t go low enough. Usually, they go down to 27” which is not ergonomically perfect sitting height.
This may work for tall users but won’t go down low enough for petite and average height users.
Some questions to ask yourself if your desk is too tall for you:
- Can you sit straight in your chair (all the way to the back and feet flat on the floor such that thighs are parallel to the floor) and measure from eye level to the floor?
- Can you stand up and measure from eye level to the floor?
The difference between these numbers will be your sit-stand range.
Mistake #2: Not Investing in Accessories: Anti-Fatigue Mat
A benefit of having a sit-stand desk is the ability to be able to also stand all day. But that does not mean that you should. Experts advise people to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day which leads to many best benefits for your body.
While sitting too much can pose various health problems, standing too long can cause fatigue and leg pain. It is recommended to start with about two hours of standing during the workday and then building up to about three to four.
In addition to working up your standing frequency, experts agree that you should have a foot cushion beneath your feet if possible. Using an anti-fatigue mat provides a softer floor and can help workers stand more hours comfortably. It can also help to encourage movement while standing.
10 Tips For Choosing The Best Sit-Stand Desk
Now that we’ve gone over some mistakes that consumers make when buying sit-stand desks, let’s take a look at what you should consider when buying the right desk. Here are our tips for buying the best sit-stand desk:
- Space Requirements and Measurements
When compared to a regular desk, sit-stand desks tend to be wider and taller. Therefore, it requires more space. Before purchasing a desk, be sure to measure your space accurately.
In addition to measuring your space, be mindful of measuring the height of the standing dimensions while wearing the shoes that you plan to wear to work. With a standing desk, a few inches of height can matter! Having the most accurate height will ensure that you have less issue with irritating joint and muscle discomfort.
- Noise Implications
Many times, adaptable height desks come equipped with motors to adjust the height. That means that some can be noisy, while others can be quieter. The good news is, many desks don’t produce excessive noise.
If you are quite sensitive to noise or work in an environment where noise has to be a big consideration, be sure to think about the motor sound when choosing your desk.
- Weight Capacity
Be sure to consider a desk’s weight capacity when choosing the right fit for your space. Most sit-stand desks can hold papers and a laptop with ease, but capacities vary thereafter. If you use a desktop computer, multiple monitors, or deal with stacks of files, you’ll need to factor their estimated weight into your decision.
- Adjustment Speed
No one likes to waste time, but some people have high-pressure jobs where efficiency is very important. If you do, workspace adjustment speed might play an important role when choosing the right sit-stand desk. Being able to quickly switch between modes can be a valuable benefit.
- The Adjustment Mechanism
Be thoughtful about the adjustable desk mechanism. There are three different types of desk adjustments to choose from: electric, crank, and pneumatic.
The most commonly praised types are electric and pneumatic. Crank adjustable desks require quite a bit of adjustment to get to the right height. That can be time-consuming and tiresome if moving from sitting to standing.
- The Warranty
Buying a sit-stand desk can provide many benefits and is an asset to your productivity at work and posture. But, sometimes it can come with a hefty price tag.
That is why you should consider protecting your investment by getting a warranty. Depending on the coverage that you get, it can help pay to repair or replace your desk if it gets damaged.
- Cost
There is some price variance when it comes to sit-stand desks. Some are pricier than others. You also might not want to go for the most economical one either. The best way to choose your desk is to first make sure it fits your lifestyle, body type, and needs.
Once you narrow your choices down to a few that fit what you want, think about the quality. Is there a standout reason for any differences in price? If that doesn’t matter to you, then choosing a less expensive model might be a good move. Keep narrowing down your choices until you find the right fit. Always concentrate on what sit-stand desk fits your body type.
- Functionality
Of course, it all comes down to functionality. It doesn’t matter if the desk fits in your space, is easy to adjust, or if the price is right. Do not get distracted by features that don’t matter to you. Be sure to prioritize the features by functionality for your individual needs.
Let ErgoDirect Help
Before you purchase a sit-stand desk, reach out to an expert for an ergonomic assessment. We’ll help you find the right desk for your sit-stand range as well as the appropriate accessories to make your work experience as comfortable as possible.
If you want more information on standing desks, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 888-456-ERGO, and visit us at www.ErgoDirect.com.
